How to stop Google’s app from taking screenshots of your recent pages

While some likely know that information searched by users via the Google app is stored by the search company, many are unaware that Android’s Google app keeps screenshots of each page you actually visit. Within the Google app’s recent tab, users are able to actually see all of the pages they’ve visited.

The app does this so users can easily return to pages they were previously viewing. Personally, I’ve found the app to be very useful considering that once you close your Google search, it’s sometimes difficult to find what I was initially looking for if I don’t switch back to the Chrome app.

However, some may consider this intrusive and I can see how screenshots of exactly every page you visit could be seen by some as a breach of privacy. So unless you want to use ‘Incognito mode’ all the time, here is how to stop Google from taking screenshots of your searches (don’t worry, the process is pretty easy).

1. First, click on the Google app, or the Google search bar, and on the bottom you’ll see a little clock with an arrow going around it. This will take you to the recent tab where you can see the screenshots of all of your recent pages.

2. Next you need to click on the three dot menu button found in the top right corner and click on settings, which will bring you into the settings for the Google app.

3. Next, the easiest step; click on enable recent and a pop up will ask whether you would like to disable recent. Next, click ‘OK’ and this will prevent Google from taking screenshots.

Can’t see this on my Marshmallow powered Nexus 5. Only applicable on Nougat, or with Assistant?

Omar

AFAIK Google updates the app separately from Android OS. When you pull out the side menu, is there no ‘Recent’ option? It’s the first one for me (I do have Assistant, but am running Nougat).

Michael

Yes – and now I’ve got it thanks.

I guess the article succeeds in informing us of the issue, but fails as a “how to” tutorial, as the instructions differ depending on versions.

Omar

To be honest I think I’m coming to a point where I’d rather pay for a subscription to Google’s apps than to let them track everything I do on my phone. It’ll never happen, they obviously make a lot more money off our information than they would off a subscription, but it’s annoying having to do so much to minimize Google’s data harvesting.

That’s the nice thing about custom ROMs. You can choose what Google Apps are on your phone, if any (besides Google Play Services and a few crucial ones) and use third party apps to replace other Google bloatware. Oh well.

Pigs Can Fly

My DTEK50 allows me to disable (freeze) apps, this was one of the first ones I disabled.

gommer strike

uhhh why would Google think this would be a good idea? Taking screencaps is a great way to quickly fill up the storage. Oh well, we can trust that they aren’t transmitting this screenshot data to HQ right?